Mind you, the rodeo world is like a traveling circus. To a large degree, everyone goes to the same place on the same weekend and then picks up and individually they all head off to the next place. It’s a bit inefficient, but that’s they way of the West. That’s why it’s so entertaining to talk to a variety of cowboys over the Fourth. These guys are scattered from Alberta to Arizona, driving all night and all day, borrowing horses and trying to make a living.

When I talked to Nick Sartain, he was in a rig with 10 other team ropers, including Matt Sherwood, Jay and Randon Adams and Rhen Richard, heading from Cody (Wyo.) to Billings so they could catch a plane to Window Rock. Later, when I finally caught up with Rhen, they were laid over waiting for the next flight to Arizona.

Meanwhile—and this is all on the same day, mind you—I got ahold of Wade Sumpter. He was in Greeley (Colo.) between the slack and the evening performance.

I had been needing to talk to Kinney Harrell. I got ahold of him between Cody and Greeley, we lost our connection. I called him later that evening hoping to get ahold of him before his run in the perf, but didn’t. So I called him the next morning. Overnight, he and his traveling mates had made it to Prescott (Ariz.). By July Fourth he’ll be back in Cody.

Bobby Mote, on the other hand, went north to Ponoka, Alberta, then was planning a swing through Red Lodge, Mont., and Cody.

These guys keep a dizzying schedule, it’s a wonder they make it everywhere they go (it’s rare, but sometimes they don’t). But what’s neat to see is how they all pull together, share rides, planes and horses to get the most out of a weekend jammed with great-paying rodeos.

Keep it up guys, and best of luck this weekend!